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THIS WEEK, A reader asks:
Which electric vehicles have the longest range?
The answer:
Electric cars have come a long way since golf carts, milk floats and the Sinclair C5. Not only have they become more stylish and desirable but they have also become more practical, especially in terms of how far you can travel on a single full charge. But just how far is that? In terms of Ireland, where would you get to?
The driving range is determined by the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The NEDC measures fuel consumption based on identical tests carried out on all types of vehicles in Europe – whether they are internal combustion, electric, or hybrid. It’s therefore an objective test for comparing performance between models of various manufacturers.
However in real world driving, the NEDC range given will vary depending on driver behaviour and style, charging rate and weather conditions – very cold temperatures can affect range by up to 10 per cent.
But anyway. Looking at NEDC range values, here are the cars with the longest single-charge ranges and how far that can get you in Ireland.
Renault TWIZY
Perhaps the coolest EV on the road at the moment. The Renault Twizy range has been measured and certified to 100km (62 miles) by UTAC (Union Technique de l’Automobile du Motocycle et du Cycle) on the ECE-15 cycle. In real world terms that means you can go from the Spire on O’Connell Street in Dublin up to Newry without having to top up the battery.
Citroen C-Zero, Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Peugeot iOn
The C-Zero, i-MiEV and iOn are essentially the same car with different badges and can all do 150km (93 miles) on a single charge. That will see you get from Dublin to Carrick-On-Shannon, Co Leitrim with just a little range anxiety creeping in.
Nissan eNV200
The e-NV200 is powered by a 24kWh Lithium Ion battery located in the floor of the vehicle. A full charge will give a range of 170km (106 miles) getting you from the Spire in Dublin to Cashel in Tipperary via the M8 and M7.
Volkswagen e-Golf
The e-Golf has a range of up to 190km (118 miles) which will see you get past Clonmel, Co Tipperary from Dublin.
BMW i3 (60Ah)
The BMW i3 is available with two different powertrain choices. The i3 60Ah with its purely electric drivetrain – a 170hp electric motor mated to a 33kWh battery pack – has a range of up to 190km (118 miles). This gets you from Bundoran in Co Donegal to Galway with kilometres to spare.
Nissan Leaf 24kWh
The Nissan Leaf also comes with two different battery options. The regular 24kWh Leaf has a one-charge range of 199km (124 miles). This means you could get from Wexford to Newgrange on a single charge.
Renault Zoe
The official NEDC driving range of the regular Zoe is 200km (124 miles) with 17-inch wheels. This will get you from the Spire to Galway.
Nissan Leaf 30kWh
The new longer-range 30kWh Leaf has a one-charge range of 250km (155 miles). This means you could drive from the Spire to Ennis, Co Clare without the need to recharge the car.
Renault Kangoo Van ZE
The new Kangoo ZE has a new battery, a new engine and more than a 50 per cent increase in range. It can now do 270km (167 miles) and get you from The Spire to the Giant’s Causeway. Just.
Hyundai Ioniq
This new kid on the block has an impressive NEDC range of 280km (173 miles) which will get you from Dublin to the Sky Road, which is part of the Wild Atlantic Way in Clifden, Co Galway.
BMW i3 (94Ah)
The BMW i3 (94 Ah) range extender has the same battery pack and electric motor as the regular i3 but it’s mated to a 32hp petrol engine. This petrol unit isn’t used to drive the car, it generates extra power for the batteries, increasing the car’s range to 300km (186 miles). This means you could get from the Spire all the way to Tralee in one go.
Renault Zoe 40
The new Renault Zoe R90 ZE 40, to give it its full title, has an increased range of 403km (250 miles) with 15- or 16-inch wheels, which is Donegal Town to Cobh, Co Cork. With 17-inch wheels it has a range of 367km (228 miles), which is Dublin to Dingle.
This car goes on sale in Ireland in March and you will be able to purchase the car outright and not have to lease the battery.
Tesla
Nothing comes close to the single-charge range of the Tesla Model S. Depending on the model chosen you can expect to do 407km (253 miles) to 632km (393 miles) without the need to plug in and top up. This means, in theory you can get from Mizen to Malin Head via the N17 without having to worry about range anxiety. Where do I sign?
Tesla has launched an Irish website so you can place your order online now and expect delivery later on this year.
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